Better promise than die." Still she stood looking him unflinchingly in the eye; not a muscle moving, no sign of fear except that deadly pallor.
"Well," lowering his piece, "you're a brave girl, and I haven't the heart to do it," he exclaimed in admiration.

"I'll give up that promise; on condition that you make another--that you'll keep all this a secret for twenty-four hours, so I can make my escape from the neighborhood before they get after me with their bloodhounds." "That I promise, if you will be gone at once." "You'll not say a word to any one of having seen me, or suspecting I'm about here ?" "Not a word until the twenty-four hours are over." "Then good-bye.

Your pluck has saved your life; but remember, I've not said I won't shoot him or your father, if chance throws them in my way," he added, looking back over his shoulder with a malicious leer, as he left the arbor, then disappearing from sight among the trees and shrubbery beyond.
Elsie's knees shook and trembled under her; she sank back into her seat, covering her face and bowing her head upon her lap, while she sent up silent, almost agonizing petitions for the safety of those two so inexpressibly dear to her.

Some moments passed thus, then she rose and hastened, with a quick nervous step, to the house.

She entered her boudoir, and lay down upon a couch trembling in every fibre, every nerve quivering with excitement.